Description
The fur is the
characteristic which sets the LaPerm apart. Ringlet-type curls. The tightest
curls occur on the underside and base of the ears, with a curly plumed tail. The
curl ranges from the tight ringlets to the long, corkscrew curls. It is soft in
texture, but each cat's coat is distinctly unique.
Some kittens are born
hairless, but most have short, wavy hair at birth. Often the tops of their heads
will be bald during the first four months or so. They can also be born with
straight hair, then lose it. For the first six months, it's pretty much a
guessing game.
The breed is "low
maintenance", requiring mimimum grooming because the coat does not easily
mat. LaPerm's curls hold the hair, much like that of a poodle, so shedding is
minimal. Bath and towel drying is all that is required to maintain the curl.
Blow drying tends to make the hair frizz. After the coat is totally dry,
spritzing with a fine mist of plain water works well to achieve even more curl.
The coat on both the
short and long-haired varieties may vary in length and fullness depending upon
the maturity of the cat. Both males and females may have a full ruff on the neck
at maturity.
The face and head of the
LaPerm are triangular in shape with wide-set ears and large, expressive eyes.
They boast a splendid set of curly whiskers.
The males tend to weigh
about 7 1/2 pounds while females grow to be 5 or 6 pounds. The breed comes in
both long and short coats.
Temperament
Although the look of each
kitten varies, one thing always remains the same: the great personality of this
new breed. Even the occasional straight-haired kitten is blessed with it, which
makes finding good homes for them very easy.
LaPerms are very gentle
and affectionate. They seek human contact and purr as soon as they become aware
of your presence. These cats are face lovers; they will reach for your face with
their paws and rub their faces against your head, neck, and face. They love
being kissed and will kiss back. They beg to be held, drooped over a shoulder,
or cradled in your arms while resting on their backs.
They are inquisitive in
nature, always wanting to know what is going on around them. Kittens have been
known to stop nursing and seek out the source of the human voice before their
eyes are open.
They are generally
quiet-voiced but may be vocal when wanting attention. Being a working cat on the
farm, they are excellent hunters,a s well as gentle companions. They adapt well
to apartment living because of their strong bonding instincts.
Linda believes that
LaPerms are truly different from any other breed of cat because of their unique
combination of appearance and people oriented personality. The cats have
captivated nearly everyone who has the opportunity to see them.